Loving the World: An Online Photography RetreatFebruary 1-28, 2015"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” Dorothea Lange

LINK TO VIDEO - WELCOME AND EXPLANATION

Photography as Spiritual PracticeIs it possible to see the world anew, with wonder and curiosity? To re-present our surroundings as we find them, without judgment…indeed, with love?

When I engage in photography as a spiritual practice, I am grateful to answer "Yes" to these questions. I hope you will be too.

ApproachJoin us as we take an “inside-out” approach to seeing the world and taking photographs. In this online retreat, we'll engage in contemplative practices as well as digital photography, to strengthen the connection between our inner lives and our capacity to see the world as we find it. Such a connection — between our outer vision and inner being — has been explored by photographers, philosophers, and poets through the ages, as well as mystics such as Rumi, Meister Eckhart, and St. Francis.

In this 4-week program, we explore various themes and exercises to assist our understanding and our engagement of photography as a spiritual practice.

At the start of each week, you'll find a thematic array of short videos, written materials, and suggestions for exercises - both contemplative and photographic in nature. These will be available in our private Facebook group, which is exclusively ours and unknown to others. This "virtual group" is our retreat community - a place to share your written reflections and photographs, and enjoy companionship on the journey. I will also be actively involved in the group, offering my own photographs and reflections.

For a more personal, intimate experience beyond Facebook, you may increase your level of involvement and join in a weekly group videoconference, held on Thursday evenings.

At any time during this retreat, you may schedule individual, private conversations with me of 30, 45 or 60 minutes.Who would benefitThis retreat is ideal for:

...veterans behind the camera, who'd like to refresh their love of digital photography

...new photographers. No level of proficiency is required. WE LOVE SMART PHONE USERS!

...anyone who would like to revitalize their spiritual practice through an artistic medium.

Notes:

Engaging with photography as a spiritual practice does not require adherence to specific theological constructs or dogma, or affiliation with a religious tradition or institution. Nor does this retreat espouse or promote any specific theology, dogma, tradition or institution. This retreat calls on wisdom from various traditions.

This retreat emphasizes how we see, rather than what we produce. We do not set, or abide by, specific standards for photographic excellence, technical expertise, or aesthetics. Nor would this be considered a "how-to" regarding composition, technique, etc. However, in sharing your photographs online, you may learn these from each other.

OUR SCHEDULE

Registration and Community Building, January 27-31, 2015

- Registration closes on Tuesday, January 27.- On Wednesday, January 28, you will be invited to join our private Facebook group and be asked to contribute an introduction and picture.- By Saturday, January 31, having “met” each other, we can move forward into the first week with a greater sense of community.

Week One, February 1-7: Photography as Spiritual Practice“My work is loving the world…” Mary OliverWe will begin with a consideration of photography as spiritual practice:﻿- Why pursue this practice?- How does this fit within the larger family of spiritual practices?- What supports, or hinders, this practice? - What spiritual gifts might photography yield?﻿

Week Two, February 8-14: Who Is Looking?“We see things as we are, not as they are.” Anaïs Nin

Our lived experience can have profound, and sometimes unconscious, effects on our looking. Through reflections and photographic exercises, you will be encouraged to explore these, and to take practical steps to broaden your perspective.

Week Three, February 15-21: Being Present"…Spirit always stands still long enough for the photographer It has chosen." Minor White

Distraction and busyness - whether from internal or external sources - diminish our ability to see. We will explore ways to experience stillness, so that we may better notice what is before us and receive it with openness.Week Four, February 22-28: Gratitude for the Journey"What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action." Meister Eckhart

We will share our learnings and appreciations through written reflections and photographs.

Online Retreat: Levels of Participation

I offer 2 levels of participation, so you may choose what is right for you. And, each of the 2 levels has a sliding-scale, to facilitate your most comfortable financial contribution.

NOTE: This retreat is limited to 20 participants, on a first come/first served basis. Thank you.

Level 1 Participation

At this level, you will have access to all of the resources in our private Facebook group:. the community of participants, their photographs and reflections. my written reflections . my videos. your assignments

Part 1: Please complete this form

Part 2: Please choose your payment

LEVEL 1 at $65.00

﻿LEVEL 1 at $75.00﻿

LEVEL 1 at $85.00

Level 2 Participation

You will have access to all of the resources in Level 1. Plus, Level 2 includes a weekly 1-hour videoconference with others in the program. This is ideal for those who enjoy the verbal exchange of ideas (if, like me, you "talk in order to think") and want a more personal sense of community than Facebook alone might provide.

Part 1: Please complete this form

Part 2: Please choose your payment

LEVEL 2 at $105.00

﻿LEVEL 2 at $115.00﻿

LEVEL 2 at $125.00

Private ConsultationsI am a spiritual director and coach. Whereas coaching helps you get from Point A to Point B - however you define those for yourself - Spiritual Guidance (or Spiritual Direction, in some circles) helps you to attend to the deeper aspects of your journey and your connection to the Essential. My Spiritual Guidance approach is both spiritually sound and "real world" practical, drawing on various Wisdom traditions (i.e., Christian, 12-step) and contemplative practices (Mindfulness, photography, Centering Prayer). My coaching practice helps you identify your goals and your starting point, as well as how to move forward. This is an on-demand offering. You may make a choice now, or at anytime during the program.